July 11, 2024 — The emergency department at Lee Memorial Hospital has been recognized for continually providing high-quality care in a safe environment. This is the first time the Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) has awarded the hospital with the Lantern Award, which recognizes emergency departments that go above and beyond in leadership, practice, education, advocacy, and research.
Golisano Children’s Hospital’s emergency department and Cape Coral Hospital’s emergency department have both twice received the Lantern Award. Gulf Coast Medical Center’s emergency department earned the designation for the first time in 2022.
Lee Memorial Hospital’s emergency department is one of a record 94 emergency departments across the United States that met the award criteria for the Lantern Award designation this year. The Lantern Award is a visible symbol of an emergency department’s commitment to quality, safety, a healthy work environment and innovation in nursing practice and emergency care.
“Our teams work hard every day to provide high-quality emergency care to our community and I am proud of them and thrilled that they’re being recognized. This award is a testament to the teamwork, passion and dedication our staff provides to each other and their patients,” said Larry Antonucci, M.D., president and chief executive officer of Lee Health.
When applying, emergency departments share stories highlighting their commitment to care and the initiatives to improve nursing staff’s wellbeing. Applications are reviewed and scored by the ENA Lantern Award Committee. The award lasts for a three-year cycle before an emergency department is eligible to apply again.
The award will be on display in the Lee Memorial Hospital’s emergency department and in the lobby of the main hospital. As a recipient, Lee Memorial Hospital will be recognized in upcoming ENA publications, on the ENA website and during the association’s annual conference held in Las Vegas from September 4-7.
Learn more about Lee Memorial Hospital at www.leehealth.org.
About Lee Health
Since the opening of the first hospital in 1916, Lee Health has been a health care leader in Southwest Florida, constantly evolving to meet the needs of the community. A non-profit, integrated health care services organization, Lee Health is committed to the well-being of every individual served, focused on healthy living and maintaining good health. Health care services are conveniently located throughout the community in four acute care hospitals, two specialty hospitals, outpatient centers, walk-in medical centers, primary care and specialty physician practices and other services across the continuum of care. Learn more at www.LeeHealth.org.